The Eve of Summer Break

We are bursting with excitement to officially being our summer break from school after tomorrow.  We're hoping to start our days gradually then explore the city, enjoy concerts in the parks, wading pools, free kids activities, the public libraries.

In the meantime, I've been blogging less and doing more outside.  We had a short weekend stint caring for V's classroom chickens one last time (though they're now settling at her teacher's home instead of school), we've camped along the Might Mississippi, and have spent time hanging out with friends by the lakefront.

Mickey and Maggie pecking around the backyard.  The LUH looks pretty
good with a couple of hens.

One other item I've added to my summer routine is walking by the lake early in the morning in lieu of the gym.  Beautiful sunrises!  I've always dreamed of having this early morning time in the summer all to myself.

I never get tired of this view.

And beautiful sunsets too

My most recent project:  turning an olive oil can into a pot.

Poked some drainage holes in the bottom with a can/bottle opener

Made sure there were no sharp edges around the top

Planted some flowers.  We'll see how weathered the
can looks by summer's end.

I've been hanging on to this recipe for too long and now the ramps in the woods are probably all gone.  But if you're interested, bookmark this for next year.

Ramps in Saffron Brine

Pickled Saffron Ramps

And how does our garden grow?

Purple Mizuna and Scarlet Frills Mustard

Salad Mix 

Shungiku (Chrysanthemum Leaf)

Red Russian Kale

Salad Turnips in need of thinning

Part edible, part annual

Sugar Snap Peas

Our little evening hangout at the homestead